James Collins

James studied the BTEC National Diploma in Performing Arts and completed the programme in July 2004. Though he thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of the BTEC his main interest was in acting.

James signed up with London based agent Janet Lee-Malone who works with new young actors. Janet was very impressed with James’ performance in the College production of Harold Pinter’s play ‘The Hot House’.

Several auditions followed including one for ‘Urban Twist’, a modern adaptation by a UK film company of Oliver Twist. James sailed through the first audition and won the lead role of Oliver, beating five hundred other actors. Filming for Urban Twist starts in September and the trailer will be shown at cinemas towards the end of the year. James is thrilled but says that he is going to have to shed some weight for the role. The film is due out in 2006.

James’ most recent television appearance was in BBC TVs Casualty in May when he played the part of skinhead gang leader Ed Bevan.

James said he took a chance at the audition for this part and turned up ‘in role’ before the casting had commenced. He believes in taking risks in order to get your face and name known amongst film and TV directors.

Future projects for James include an American autobiographical film about Kurt Cobain.
James also supports his local amateur dramatic group the Chronicle Players and has been cast in their production of a Midsummer Nights Dream.

Of his time at Braintree College James says: “I gained so much confidence doing stage performances such as in The Hot House and A Chorus Line. The course was great; it really opened my eyes to the exciting range of possibilities in Performing Arts. Now I am fulfilling a lifelong ambition and cannot believe that I’ve achieved so much in just a year.”